The Cons to Breastfeeding and Adoption

Adoptive breastfeeding takes a lot of time.
If an adoptive mother wishes to produce her own breast milk, she must start the process of induced lactation. This involves pumping several times a day. Some adoptive mothers have described the whole process as 'overwhelming.'

Some adoptive mothers may need to take medication to stimulate a supply of breast milk.
Whether choosing to use herbs or prescription medications, there are a few options that can be used to increase the amount of breast milk produced and to increase how quickly the breast milk comes in.

Adoptive fathers may feel left out of the process.
Adoption is a process that often takes a lot of time, sometimes much longer than the 9 or 10 months waiting for the birth of a child. The adoptive father may struggle not having such a special bonding time with his new child.

Adoptive breastfeeding may be added stress.
There is already so much stress surrounding being a new parent - especially a new adoptive mother. Really take the time to consider your reasons behind wanting to breastfeed and weigh them against everything that is required in order for you to breastfeed. Then decide if adoptive breastfeeding is worth the extra stress on you, your time, and your body.

People may find adoptive breastfeeding a new concept and have a very strong, negative reaction.
Breastfeeding and adoption is a hot topic in the adoption community, but there are those in the world who are unaware of the possibility of adoptive breastfeeding. Some may have a strong "ick factor" toward the idea of breastfeeding an adopted child. Some find adoptive breastfeeding offensive, especially birth mothers and some adoptees. The words, 'un-natural' are used to describe adoptive breastfeeding, as some feel that the biological mother's milk is the best for a baby.

Adoptive breastfeeding may seem coercive toward the expectant mother.
I can't imagine the weight such a decision places on an expectant mother's heart when she is considering adoption for her infant. Now imagine a very excited prospective adoptive mother, all ready to breastfeed, waiting for an infant to be placed in her arms and onto her breast. It is extremely important for adoption practices to be ethical, and that mothers have time with their infants and their own thoughts to make the best decision possible.

The birth mother may change her mind about placing her infant for adoption.
In this case, the prospective adoptive mother is left with the ability to breastfeed. So, be prepared to pump for a long time. Remember, the baby is not your baby until after the adoption is final. This is why those who are in favor of adoptive breastfeeding recommend not preparing for a specific child in mind.